What is a Rotoveyer?
A Rotoveyer is a unique, patented machine that cleans land as deep as 12 inches in a single pass. It picks up roots and other debris left from land clearing operations. It also will pick up rocks as large as 10 inches in diameter. The land is left in a clean and tilled condition. Valuable topsoil is let in place.
How does it work?
It is towed behind a tractor and mounted on the draft arms of a three-point hitch. Power is obtained from the tractor’s PTO shaft. The Rotoveyer has three major components: the digging head, the conveyor belt, and a rear storage hopper.
The digging head consists of three powered rotating cylinders equipped with hard-surface teeth. The digging depth is hydraulically controlled and is infinitely adjustable. The first cylinder does all the digging. It combs the debris out of the ground and lifts it to the second and third cylinders where most of the soil separation occurs. After the material passes over these two rotating cylinders, it is then deposited on the conveyor belt.
The rugged steel belt also separates soil from debris as it carries the debris to the large storage hopper at the rear of the Rotoveyer. The storage hopper holds eight cubic yards. When it is full, the load is then dumped and burned in place or taken to the disposal area for burning, burying or removal. The load is dumped hydraulically by controls located in the operator’s compartment.
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What kind of tractor is required?
Any agricultural tractor having at least 120 HP will operate the Rotoveyer, 140 HP to 160 HP is preferred. It should be equipped with a three-point hitch, preferably Category III. A 1000 RPM PTO is required. The hydraulic valves are necessary to control the digging depth and to empty the rear hopper.
Does the land need special preparation?
Before using the Rotoveyer, all stumps should be removed. The land should be loosened at least 12 inches deep with either a large disc harrow or preferably a chisel plow. Proper preparation increases Rotoveyer production.
What kind of production can I expect?
Production depends on three factors: the type of soil, the amount of debris to be removed and the digging depth desired. Production under a wide variety of conditions has ranged between ¾ and 2 acres per hour.
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What about picking up rock?
Many Rotoveyers are at work picking up rock in fields that have been in production for years. For steady rock work the Rotoveyer is fitted with a severe service belt and special digging cylinders. The rear hopper is also reinforced.
Suppose I hit a large stump or rock?
The Rotoveyer is protected against damage by an adjustable clutch, as well as a shear pin in the driveline. The conveyor belt is also protected by an adjustable clutch. In addition, the digging head is cushioned by heavy-duty coil springs.
What about
operating where flotation is a problem?
The standard machine is equipped with two large 24-ply tires. A center flotation kit is available that adds two more wheels without increasing the overall width. Should a severe floatation problem exist, two more wheels can be added, one to each side of the Rotoveyer.
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After using the Rotoveyer, what is required next?
Usually, nothing more than light discing. The Rotoveyer tends to level and fill as it cleans the land. Some owners disc once then plant. Others plant right behind the Rotoveyer. The ground is always left in a fluffed and cultivated condition.
What about the first time I put my machine to work?
When Rotoveyers are delivered, we provide a factory trained serviceman at no additional cost. His purpose is to show each new Rotoveyer owner how to install, operate, and service his machine.
What kind of maintenance is required?
On a daily basis there are easily reached fittings for lubrication. The differential and cylinder drives run in oil. This should be changed every 2000 hours. The digging and separating cylinder teeth are hard surfaced. The hard surfacing will have to be touched up periodically, depending on soil conditions. More abrasive soils will require more frequent attention; whereas soft soils may not require any hard-surface touch-up for 2000 or 3000 hours. Belt wear also depends on soil conditions. Belt life generally ranges from 1500 to 3000 hours.
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Where are parts available?
Rockland stocks spare parts for instant shipment. Most items such as bearings, drive chains, and seals are also available through local parts sources.
How long has the Rotoveyer been on the market?
The Rotoveyer is over 35 years old. It was extensively tested under a wide variety of operating conditions before being introduced by Rockland. Some of the prototype machines are still in daily operation with over 8000 hours of use.
Where are units in use?
Rotoveyers are being used all over the United States, from the heavy peat soils of Eastern North Carolina to the sandy soils of Florida.
Units are at work in the arid areas of Arizona and Washington, as well as the dry soils of Texas.
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How will the Rotoveyer pay for itself?
Several ways. Hand labor is expensive, and hand labor can only remove surface debris. The Rotoveyer gets it all in a single pass down to a depth of 12 inches. Land can be put into production faster. It can be cleaned at a lower cost. The costly damage that often occurs to agricultural equipment when farming new land is eliminated. Burning debris is another costly phase of landscaping. The dirt free piles of debris dumped by the Rotoveyer burn better and more completely. Often a second burn is not required. After burning, the little debris that is left can be picked up by the Rotoveyer and hauled away for disposal, or new piles for a final burn can be made. Land can be put into production with the Rotoveyer faster and at lower cost than with any other method. |
